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Messages of condolence
09/09/2022
Messages of condolence have been expressed in the Banbury FM area following the news of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
Elected members and officials at all levels have released statements following the sad news.
Banbury’s Member of Parliament
Victoria Prentis, MP, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“The Queen has been a constant presence in all our lives. She was the longest-serving monarch in British history and throughout her life provided a shining example of duty and service. Her Majesty has been a much loved and respected global figurehead during times of enormous change.
“Many of us in Banbury will remember when Her Majesty visited in 2008 to mark the four hundredth anniversary of the town’s charter. Thousands filled the town centre waving flags, including lots of excited school children. It was a momentous occasion for our area.
“This will undoubtedly be a time of reflection for us all. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this time.
“May The Queen rest in peace and rise in glory. God Save The King.”
Banbury Town Council
Councillor Kieron Mallon, leader of the Council, said: “The Queen was an exceptional person who was admired and respected at home and abroad for her energy and commitment – and especially for her devotion to duty.
“We knew her as the Queen and while she graced that title she was also a mother who was devoted to her family.
“Those of us who met her during her visit to Banbury in 2008 will never forget the moment. It was the ultimate privilege.
Cllr Shaida Hussain, leader of the council’s Labour Group, said: “Britain has been fortunate indeed to have had a Queen so devoted to her country and her Commonwealth.
“The Queen was sovereign throughout the lives of the vast majority of people in this country, and as we mourn together as a nation, we can reflect on Her Majesty’s remarkable reign and the great era she oversaw. If anyone was the true definition of an institution, it was Queen Elizabeth the Second
Mayor Cllr Jayne Strangwood added: “She was the people’s queen and she treated everyone equally. On walkabouts she found time to talk with people from all aspects of life. Banbury witnessed that when she came to the town in 2008.
“Her family and the country will be distraught at her passing.”
Brackley Town Council
Town Mayor Councillor Paul Wiltshire said: “All members of Brackley Town Council and staff are deeply saddened by the passing of our Sovereign and Head of State Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“I have the honour of leading the community of Brackley during the next 10-day period of National Mourning, showing respect and gratitude to the life and service of HM Queen Elizabeth II.”
Cherwell District Council
Chief Executive Yvonne Rees said: “As Chief Executive of Cherwell District Council I would like to express my great sadness and that of everyone at the council on hearing of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Our sadness at this time I am sure is shared by many of you who will want to remember and recognise the service of the longest reigning monarch.
“Cherwell District Council will be opening a book of condolence for your messages, which will be available at Bodicote House from tomorrow. On Friday 9 September, the book will be open from 10:00hrs – 17:00hrs. Thereafter the book will be available from 09:00hrs – 17:00hrs on weekdays until the day after the funeral, when the book will close for the final time at 17:00hrs. A link to Buckingham Palace’s e-book of condolence will also be made available on the council website should you wish to sign this.
“I am sure some of you would like to lay floral tributes and we ask that you keep these to the identified locations which for Cherwell are the town and parish council offices in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington. If residents visit Bodicote House, we would ask them to lay their tributes on the grassed area in front of reception, next to the stone monument.
“We are currently reviewing our public engagements and there are likely to be some changes to our meetings schedule and civic functions, we therefore ask you to be patient and the check the website if you are in any doubt if the event will go ahead.”
Oxfordshire County Council
Chair of the Council Susanna Pressel said: “It is with great sadness that today we hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which, I am sure, is shared by many of you who will want to remember and recognise the service of our longest reigning monarch.
“We, together with the city and district councils, will be opening books of condolence for your messages. I am sure some of you may also thinking about paying tribute by laying flowers. We will share, as soon as we can, a list of identified locations.
“During the period before the funeral, a period of national mourning will be observed. As part of this, public meetings of the council and other public events will be reviewed and there are likely to be some changes to our meetings schedule. These will be communicated as soon as possible.
“A formal reading of the proclamation of the accession of the new sovereign will take place at Carfax, Queen Street in Oxford and we will confirm the date for this tomorrow.
“Local readings of the proclamation will then take place around the county at designated times, which will be announced shortly.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam